James Sapp Jr. began his football journey later than most, yet the senior tackle is now an integral part of Yorkville’s team. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 240 pounds, Sapp is a key player on the defensive line for the Yorkville Foxes.
Versatility on the Field
Sapp’s versatility allows him to play various positions on the line. “I can play any position on the line, but I’m mainly at tackle because of my size,” Sapp explained. He has experience as a defensive end but prefers the intense one-on-one matchups at that position.
Sapp has a history in multiple sports, including basketball and track. He demonstrated his athletic prowess by qualifying for state in the discus last spring. He prioritizes his sports, saying, “football is No. 1, track No. 2, then basketball.”
Recent Game Highlights
In a recent challenging game against Oswego that ended in a 44-21 loss, Sapp delivered a standout performance with 13 tackles including four for loss and one sack. Despite Yorkville leading at one point, turnovers cost them the game.
Coach Dan McGuire applauded Sapp’s athleticism, highlighting his 4.8-second speed in the 40-yard dash. This prompted the coach to assign him additional roles at tight end. “His blocking helps our run game,” McGuire noted, stressing Sapp’s willingness and skill.
Though Sapp has yet to catch a pass, McGuire remains optimistic about his potential: “I think he was open, but we just didn’t have enough time to get him the ball.” Sapp is confident about his future contribution: “I’m gonna get there,” he said.
Groundwork for Future Success
Last season, Sapp recorded 48 tackles. He aims to surpass that this year as Yorkville faces Plainfield East, Oswego East, and Plainfield North. His consistent improvement is noted by Assistant Coach Todd Groth, who coaches Sapp in both football and track.
“He’s a hard worker and being consistently involved, plus having good attention to detail with a good work ethic, is really showing,” Groth commented, emphasizing Sapp’s power and technique improvement.
Academic and Athletic Goals
Sapp’s commitment extends to the weight room, where he recently achieved a personal best 550-pound deadlift. His dedication to strengthening complements his ambition to play college football. With a 4.33 GPA, Sapp aspires to earn a scholarship and pursue a major in construction management while considering a career in the NFL.
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